Grant Hachmann
It all started 10 years ago when, based totally on a whim, six PebbleCreek bicycle riders vowed to see if they could ride 100 miles in a day. This humble beginning morphed into the AZ Flats Bicycling Group who now makes it a practice to ride a “century” every spring. The group’s 2018 version was completed on March 24 with a total of 23 riders. Except for a nasty headwind the last 10 to 15 miles the ride was great. The route took the riders through the cities of Goodyear, Avondale, Glendale, El Mirage, Peoria, Sun City West, Litchfield Park and/or Buckeye. As is tradition PebbleCreek’s own Tri-Chicks, led by Mary Simmons along with Jackie Armstrong, Cheryl Brodbeck and Gilda Pointras, provided support along the route. A hearty thanks to them. After the ride, all enjoyed lots of food and drink at Sunrise Park. The group also ate again at its “End of the Winter Ride Season Breakfast” the next day. Author’s Note: Bicyclists eat a lot.
Completing the Century (100 mile) ride were Cliff Pappas (Group Leader and Founder), Jean Hachmann, Grant Hachmann, Walt Heitz, Bill Simmons, Diana Bidwell, Ken Goos, Jeff Gillen, Judy Sontag, Reg Westgarth, Bill Halte, Laura Leno, Bill Walker, Anne Stratton, Mark Pearson, Jim Morris, Susanne Vander Hayden, Tom Condit and Dov Levine. Completing a Metric Century (62 miles}
were Ernie Coudert, Ruth Bindler, Vicki Carter and Fred Carlson. Two items of special interest. The four speedsters (Bill Simmons, Jeff Gillen, Laura Leno and Mark Pearson) completed the ride in less than five hours. That, folks, is 20 big mph’s. Secondly, Cliff Pappas, Jean Hachmann and Grant Hachmann have completed the Century all ten years. Congratulations to both of these distinguished groups.
AZ Flats is a group who road bikes year-round with rides on Tuesdays, Thursdays, Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays. Sunday rides are for all levels and accommodate riders wishing to go no longer than two hours. The group also has social activities throughout the year. Cycling is a fun way to meet people and get/stay in great physical shape. If you are interested in riding with the group please contact Cliff Pappas at [email protected] or 602-770-2462.